Girl attacked while trying to protect dog

November 17, 2011

Benna Sayyed

An 11-year-old Clovis girl was treated at Plains Regional Medical Center after being mauled by a dog Wednesday, police said.

Robin Howe, the girl’s father, said his daughter was at a friend’s home in the 3700 block of Autumnwood. He said she was walking her pet dachshund when a larger black dog charged and attacked. He said his daughter suffered cuts, abrasions, and scratches to the face, hands, arms and right leg while trying to protect her dog.

The girl received two stitches to one finger. The dachshund was released from the animal hospital Thursday after being treated for multiple bite wounds to the stomach and an ear, Howe said.

Eric Valdez, owner of the black dog, said his dog never showed signs of aggression prior to the attack while playing with five children ages 3 to 14, who live at his home. He said the injured girl had played with the dog a couple of times previously without incident.

Valdez said he was away when the incident occurred, and he is not sure what prompted the attack. He said he has asked that his dog be put down.